Less than lethal projectile and ammunition

ABSTRACT

A less than lethal projectile comprising a shell body made of elastic material and accommodating a plurality of separate pellets encapsulated therewithin.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

The present disclosed subject matter relates to a less than lethal projectile and ammunition making use thereof

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

Less than lethal or Non-lethal kinetic energy projectiles (at times referred to as “rubber projectiles” or “plastic projectiles”) are used by military and law enforcement forces for crowd control where it is required to incapacitate an individual or a crowd, however with reducing the likelihood of serious injury. Such ammunition is also used by individuals for self defense and in controlling property related crimes.

It is known to provide rounds of ammunition in which the typical metal projectile/bullet is replaced by a projectile made of a soft material, e.g. plastic or rubber, often coating a hard core element, e.g. a steel ball, etc. However, such types of non-lethal rounds may still cause serious injury.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,712 discloses a non lethal weapon cartridge comprising a projectile and a means for propelling the projectile through a weapon barrel. Ammunition of this type can be employed by soldiers during operations-other-than-war, such as riot control during humanitarian missions, or by law enforcement personnel when a lethal response is not warranted. The projectile comprises a full-bore projectile body fitted with a compliant nose. The projectile is designed to be spin-stabilized such that it will fly, and impact, nose first, while describing a ballistic trajectory. The projectile is intended to be launched from a rifled weapon tube. The rifling imparts the spin necessary to achieve dynamic stability. The propulsion system utilizes a modern smokeless propellant in combination with a high-low technique to produce consistent interior ballistics.

WO 2007/066324 discloses a non-lethal cartridge comprising a cartridge case with a primer and a propellant agent, and a projectile comprising a plurality of beads made of a hard material articulated to one another and being embedded within a resilient body.

It is an object of the present disclosed subject matter to provide less-than-lethal projectile. It is yet an object of the disclosed subject matter to provide a cartridge and ammunition comprising one or more less-than-lethal projectiles according to the present disclosed subject matter, and a method for manufacturing same.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

According to one aspect of the present disclosed subject matter there is provided a less-than-lethal projectile.

According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is provided a cartridge configured with a less-than-lethal projectile. Such a cartridge is typically suited for handguns and the like (pistols and rifles).

According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is disclosed a method for manufacture of a less-than-lethal projectile and a cartridge configured with such a less-than-lethal projectile.

According to yet an aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is provided ammunition configured with a plurality of less-than-lethal projectiles. Such ammunition is for example hand grenades, launched grenades, claymore-type mines (directional mines), etc.

The less than lethal projectile according to the disclosed subject matter discloses a shell body made of elastic material, and accommodating a plurality of pellets encapsulated there within. The pellets are loose, i.e. not interconnected to one another, though not free to move within the shell body, but rather will displace within the shell body upon deformation of the shell body at the instance of hitting a surface.

The shell body is made of soft material such as rubber, and the pellets are made of a substantially hard and heavy material such as steel, lead and other metals. As an alternative, the pellets can be made of other material e.g. plastic, with additive metal particles. The pellets are separate, i.e. not connected to one another and are received within the encapsulating shell body. The pellets are contained within a space defined within the shell body and do not project from an external surface of the shell body.

According to one method of manufacturing a less than lethal projectile according to the disclosed subject matter comprises the steps of obtaining a plurality of loose pellets and encapsulating the plurality of pellets stuffed within a shell body made of soft elastic material;

According to one particular example, the elastic shell body is molded over pellets and according to another particular example the pellets are introduced into the elastic shell body through a sealable opening formed at the elastic shell body.

According to yet an embodiment, the pellets are pre-molded, or coated (e.g. by dipping), in a soft and flexible enveloping material prior to applying the elastic shell body.

According to another aspect of the present disclosed subject matter there is provided a less than lethal cartridge comprising a cartridge case with at least one projectile each comprising a plurality of pellets made of hard material encapsulated within a shell body made of elastic material.

The arrangement is such that after firing a cartridge or initiating an ammunition comprising one or more projectiles according to the disclosed subject matter, the one or more projectiles are propelled and the pellets remain within the elastic shell body, wherein upon striking a target the elastic shell body of the projectile deforms (somewhat squashes) and increases its surface area and contact surface area over the target, substantially reducing the likelihood of severely injuring an individual, however providing sufficient and effective impact required for law enforcement, etc.

Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be applied in a cartridge or ammunition, or utilized in a method for manufacturing same, independently or in combination:

-   -   The pellets are contained within a flexible filler media, e.g.         rubber, silicone material, in viscous liquid/gel form or solid         form, thus the pellets and the filler material occupy         substantially the entire space of the elastic shell body;     -   The elastic shell body can be configured in different shapes,         e.g. as a sphere or as a cylindrical member having a hemispheric         or nosed head portion, as a capsule, as an aerodynamic shape         with fins and/or a tail, as a so called mortar-like shell, etc.;     -   The pellets are loose within the shell body, i.e. the pellets         are not interconnected to one another;     -   The pellets within a projectile can be regular spheres or have         different volumetric shapes, or a mixture of shapes and the         pellets can be of equal size or different sizes;     -   The elastic shell body can be impregnated or otherwise coated or         comprise a hardening agent or a tactic additive such as a         coloring agent, a stunning agent, irritating agent (e.g. salt),         etc.;     -   The cartridge case can comprise an integrated primer or a primer         fitted to the cartridge case with or without a propellant agent.         In the later case the primer is in the form of blank ammunition         and can be fitted a-priori to the cartridge case and can be         selected from several such primers having different thrust         force;     -   Blank ammunition can be used with an additional portion of         propellant agent in the cartridge case in order to increase the         effective range.     -   Intermediate the propellant agent and the projectile there is at         least one partition wall;     -   The partition wall may be reputable or be disposed upon firing         the cartridge;     -   In front of the projectile there may be a sealing member sealing         a front end of the cartridge;     -   A front end of the cartridge can be sealed by the projectile;     -   The primer is a rim-fire type primer, integral with the         cartridge case or not;     -   The cartridge case can be made of a plastic material, disposable         or suited for reuse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the present disclosed subject matter and to see how it may be carried out in practice, several embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A to 1C are isometric views of modifications of a projectile subject of the present disclosed subject matter;

FIGS. 2A to 2C are sectioned isometric views of modifications of a projectile subject of the present disclosed subject matter, corresponding with FIGS. 1A to 1C respectively;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic representations of different examples of a projectile subject of the present disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4 is an isometric exploded view of a cartridge configured with a projectile a projectile subject of the present disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 5A is longitudinally sectioned isometric view of a stun hand grenade configured with a plurality of projectile a projectiles subject of the present disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 5B is partially sectioned view of claymore configured with a plurality of projectile a projectiles subject of the present disclosed subject matter; and

FIG. 6 is a sectioned view illustrating the hitting instance of a projectile subject of the present disclosed subject matter against a target surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first directed to FIGS. 1A and 2A of the drawings illustrating a less-than-lethal projectile according to an example of the present disclosed subject matter, generally designated 20.

The projectile is configured in the shape of a sphere and has a shell body 22 made of elastic material, e.g. different forms of rubber material etc., said shell 22 accommodating a plurality of pellets 24 encapsulated within said shell 22. The pellets 24 are made of a substantially hard and heavy material e.g. metals (steel, lead, etc,) and are loose, i.e. not interconnected to one another, though not free to move within the shell body owing to their full occupancy of the space within the shell 22, i.e. being tightly packed within the shell 22.

It is noted in the drawings that the pellets 24 are fully contained within the space defined within the shell body 22 and do not project from an external surface of the shell body.

According to one particular example, the cavities between the pellets 24 is occupied by a flexible filler media 28, e.g. silicone or rubber type material, in viscous liquid/gel form or solid form, thus the pellets 24 and the filler material 28 occupy substantially the entire space of the elastic shell body 22.

The arrangement is such that after firing a cartridge or initiating an ammunition comprising one or more projectiles 20 according to the disclosed subject matter, the one or more projectiles are propelled and the pellets 24 remain within the elastic shell body 22, wherein upon striking a target (represented in FIG. 6 by surface 35) the elastic shell body 22 of the projectile 20 deforms (somewhat squashes) and increases its surface area and contact surface area over the target surface 35, substantially reducing the likelihood of severely injuring an individual, however providing sufficient and effective impact required for law enforcement, etc.

This arrangement has the advantage of a projectile having a substantially high mass relative to its size, retaining the general kinetic energy of the projectile and retaining its ballistic shape and trajectory (since the cartridge maintains its original shape during its flight), however with avoiding the danger of fragments scattering, thus retaining a uniform body. Since the pellets do not scatter and since they uniformly impact the target, the effective striking area is increased and kinetic energy imparted over the target is higher, though with reduced danger of sever injury (namely, risk of penetration), in particular owing to the fact that the projectile deforms and squashes upon striking a surface target, thus significantly increasing its surface area resulting in reducing the likelihood of the projectile to penetrate the surface or cause damage thereto.

Turning now to FIGS. 1B and 2B there is illustrated a projectile generally designated 40 and composed of a head portion 42 and a tail portion 44. The head portion 42 is spherical and substantially similar to the projectile 20 of FIGS. 1A and 2A, and comprises a shell body 46 made of elastic material, accommodating a plurality of pellets 48 encapsulated therewithin.

The projectile resembles the general shape of a mortar shell and the tail portion 44 is configured with four stabilizing fins 50 (only three of which are seen; however, any suitable configuration and number of such fins can be used), for improving aerodynamic performance of the projectile whilst flying.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 2C there is illustrated yet an example of a cartridge according to the present disclosed subject matter generally designated 56 and composed of a head portion 58 and a tail portion 60. The head portion 58 is spherical and substantially similar to the projectile 20 of FIGS. 1A and 2A, and comprises a shell body 62 made of elastic material, accommodating a plurality of pellets 64 encapsulated therewithin.

The projectile 56 resembles the general shape of a pomegranate and the tail portion 60 has a tapering tail 65 with conical rear cavity 66 and configured with an opening 70 into confined the space of the head portion 58. The opening 70 is smaller than the size of a pellet, though owing to elasticity of the material pellets 64 can be introduced into the shell body 62. Likewise, if so desired, a flexible filler media can be introduced through the opening 70. According to a modification the opening 70 can be sealed e.g. by a sealing agent or a plug (e.g. a mushroom-type snap stopper).

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate further examples of shapes of projectiles according to the disclosed subject matter. The projectile 76 of FIG. 3A has a cylindrical body portion 78 and a hemispheric head portion 80. The projectile 84 of FIG. 3B has a cylindrical body portion 86, a hemispheric head portion 88 and a hemispheric tail portion 89. The projectiles 76 and 84 are filled with pellets as disclosed in connection with the previous examples. It is appreciated that for a non-symmetrical shapes of projectiles, there can be added stabilizing fins and/or the projectile should be spined to maintain a trajectory.

It is appreciated that the hitting mechanism as discussed herein above in connection with the example of FIGS. 1A and 2A applies to other examples discussed in connection with the present disclosed subject matter, mutatis mutandis.

A method of filling a shell body of a projectile with the plurality of pellets can be over-molding the shell body over the pellets. According to one modification, prior to molding the shell body over the pellets, the pellets are pre-coated with a coating layer e.g. by dipping the pellets and revolving them to obtain an enveloping coating layer. Furthermore, the pellets may be embedded within a flexible filler media prior to molding the shell body thereover.

According to a different example, the flexible shell body is configured with an aperture through which the plurality of pellets (and optionally also the flexible filler media) are introduced (e.g. as per example of FIGS. 1C and 2C). The opening is smaller than the size of a pellets, though owing to elasticity of the material pellets can be introduced into the shell body and the pellets will not fall out. According to a modification the opening can be sealed e.g. by a sealing agent or a plug (e.g. a mushroom-type snap stopper).

Turning now to FIG. 4 of the drawings there is illustrated an exploded view of a cartridge collectively designated 90 and configured with a projectile according to the disclosure of the present matter. In the example of FIG. 4 there is illustrated one projectile 20, of the type disclosed in connection with FIGS. 1A and 1B. It is however appreciated that the cartridge may hold more than one projectile, and of any design (e.g. the projectile may be fitted in series within the cartridge, or otherwise arranged). Even more so, a cartridge may comprise a combination of different types of projectiles and further, the projectiles can be positioned within the cartridge at different configurations (e.g. in series, i.e. axially aligned, or at any other setup).

Cartridge 90 comprises a cylindrical cartridge case 92 fitted at its rear end with a rim-fire primer 94 extending into the interior of the case. The case typically holds an amount of propellant material (e.g. black gun powder; not seen), however depending on the type of primer, the propellant material may be omitted. The propellant material is packed by a disk-shaped flash protector 98, e.g. made of cardboard or plastic material, and provided to prevent burning of the projectile by the flash. A cylindrical buffer 100 is provided in the cartridge, after said flash protector, made of a resilient material (e.g. light weight foamed material) and provided to prevent squashing of the projectile.

The flash protector 98 and the cylindrical buffer 100 can be integrated with one another, or unitary. After the buffer 100 there is introduced said spherical projectile 20 and the projectile is positioned by a spacer 102 and the cartridge is packed and sealed by a disc-shaped cover 104. The spacer 102 is fixedly and sealingly retained, e.g. by pressure of the fore end 107 of the cartridge case. If required, a sealant or adhesive agent can be provided to secure cover 104 at the opening of cartridge case 92.

The buffer 100 can be in the shape of a disc, as illustrated in the drawing, or be configured at a fore face thereof with a concave surface, at least partially enveloping the projectile from behind. Alternatively, the buffer can be configured as a sabot, i.e. composed of two or more complimenting segments configured for disassembling shortly upon departing from the cartridge case, thereby substantially not damaging the projectile and its trajectory. In case of a sabot arrangement the segments can be made also of a hard material, e.g. plastic.

It is appreciated that the cartridge case can be either a disposable barrel, or a re-loadable cartridge of the type configured for re-use and that the cartridge case can be configured at or near a rear end thereof with a laterally projecting locking rim or a grooved locking portion for fixedly arresting to a handgun (not shown). However, other arresting and locking arrangements are possible too.

The cartridge case can be for example that of a hunting cartridge, of any range, or a 40 mm. ammunition, etc.

In FIG. 5A the is illustrated a stun hand grenade generally designated 122 and having a cylindrical body case 124 (made for example of coated/laminated cardboard, plastic and the like), fitted with a bottom cover 123A and a top cover 123B, a safety lever 126 articulated with a safety pin 128 associated with a safety ring 130, a delay fuse 132 and a blast charge 134 centrally received within the case 124 and surrounded by a plurality of projectiles 20 of the aforementioned type (as an example), with a spacing liner 136 extending between the case 124 and the packed projectiles 20. A buffering media, e.g. a layer of foamed material 139 is provided between the propelling blast charge and the plurality of projectiles 20.

Once the safety ring 130 with the articulated safety pin 128 are removed from the fuse 132 and the safety lever 126 is allowed to spring out, ignition takes place and after a predetermined period of time (e.g. 4 seconds) the blast charge 134 explodes, resulting in propelling the projectiles 20.

In FIG. 5B there is illustrated a sensor or remote control activated claymore generally designated 142 and configured with a rectangle case 144 made of a hard material with a back face serving as a counter surface. The case 144 with the back face may be flat or shaped (e.g. curved). The case 144 is fitted with a cover (removed for sake of visualizing), said cover made of a rupture able material e.g. plastic, cardboard, metal sheet, etc. The space within the rectangle case accommodates a plurality of projectiles 20 with a propelling blast charge (not seen) extending intermediate the back face and the plurality of projectiles 20. As can further be seen the claymore 142 is configured with an activating unit 146 which can be for example a proximity sensor or a receiver unit for receiving a remote activating control signal, etc. The activating unit 146 ignites an igniter 148 which in turn excites the propelling blast charge to propel the plurality of projectiles 20. A buffering media, e.g. a layer of foamed material (not seen) is provided between the propelling blast charge and the plurality of projectiles 20.

Whilst several embodiments have been described and illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, the artisan will appreciate that many variations are possible, which do not depart from the general scope of the present disclosed subject matter, mutatis mutandis. 

1. A less than lethal projectile comprising a shell body made of elastic material and accommodating a plurality of pellets encapsulated there within wherein the pellets are contained within a flexible filler media.
 2. The less than lethal projectile according to claim 1, wherein the pellets are contained within a space defined within the shell body and do not project from an external surface of the shell body.
 3. The less than lethal projectile according to claim 1, wherein the filler media occupies substantially the entire space of the elastic shell body.
 4. The less than lethal projectile according to claim 1, wherein the elastic shell body is configured with at least a spherical portion.
 5. The less than lethal projectile according to claim 1, wherein the elastic shell body has at least a cylindrical portion.
 6. The less than lethal projectile according to claim 1, wherein the elastic shell body has an aerodynamic shape configured with stabilizing elements.
 7. The less than lethal projectile according to claim 1, wherein the elastic shell body comprises a hardening agent.
 8. The less than lethal projectile according to claim 1, wherein the elastic shell body comprises a tactic additive.
 9. Ammunition configured with a plurality of less-than-lethal projectiles, each comprising a shell body made of elastic material and accommodating a plurality of separate pellets encapsulated there within.
 10. The Ammunition according to claim 9, being a hand grenade.
 11. The ammunition according to claim 9, being a launched grenade.
 12. The ammunition according to claim 9, being a claymore.
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. A less than lethal cartridge configured with at least one less-than-lethal projectile comprising a shell body made of elastic material and accommodating a plurality of pellets encapsulated there within wherein the pellets are contained within a flexible filler media.
 19. The less than lethal cartridge according to claim 18, comprising a cartridge case configured with a primer and further comprising a propellant agent within the cartridge case such that intermediate the propellant agent and the projectile there is at least one partition wall.
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. The less than lethal cartridge according to claim 18, comprising a cartridge case configured with a primer and further comprising a propellant agent within the cartridge case wherein intermediate the propellant agent and the projectile there is a flash protector and a buffer.
 23. The less than lethal cartridge according to claim 18, wherein the projectile seals a front end of the cartridge case.
 24. The less than lethal cartridge according to claim 18, wherein in front of the projectile there is a cover member closing a front end of the cartridge.
 25. The less than lethal cartridge according to claim 18, wherein in front of the projectile there is a spacer.
 26. The less than lethal cartridge according to claim 18, comprising a cartridge case configured with a primer wherein the primer is a rim-fire type primer. 